International Certified Crop Advisor Program

The Certified Crop Adviser Program (CCA) is one of the professional certification programs offered by the American Society of Agronomy (ASA). It is a voluntary program providing a base level of standard through testing and raising that standard through continuing education.

The program is administered locally by 37 state/regional/provincial boards called "Local Boards" throughout the United States and Canada.

Each CCA had to pass two exams (international and local) and submit credentials detailing their education, crop advising experience plus two references. They must sign and adhere to a code of ethics.

The exams cover four major competency areas: nutrient management, soil and water management, integrated pest management and crop management. Continuing education must also fall into one of these four areas to be valid for CCA Continuing Education Units (CEUs).

Education level related to percent passing the exams:

Average passing percentage over all testing opportunities is 60%.

The number of CCAs with at least a Bachelor of Science Degree is greater than 70%.

To maintain the certification, the CCA must earn 40 hours of continuing education every two years. The program has averaged a 94% renewal rate.

• 2010 CCA Program Participants - Map - (PDF)
• Policy and Procedures Manual - (PDF)
• Mailing List Rental Information - (PDF)